support the needs of learning disabilities and provide opportunities
for young people to participate in many international, cultural and social events
EDUCATION
Schools for Children with Disabilities
There are 11 schools for disabled children in North Korea: 8 for the Deaf, and 3 for the Blind. There are around 1500 pupils in total, all between the ages of 8 and 19. Pupils live within the school grounds, where they are cared for by their teachers. In addition to the education facilities, there are agriculture areas, where pupils and teachers grow their own crops.
DULA’s aims for the schools are:
- To support education and a progressive learning environment by providing basic materials for learning and specialist equipment (e.g. Braille printers).
- Encourage extra-curricular activities so that pupils have the opportunity to develop skills in art, music, sports, and so on.
- Physical, emotional and social support to prepare children for their future, becoming part of a bigger society.
CULTURE
International Network
Education, Rehabilitation, Sports and Seminars are some of the key ways in which young people with disabilities in North Korea can develop cultural growth by sharing ideas and expert advice between supportive networks. They also provide opportunities for these young people to participate in many international, cultural and social events that are normally inaccessible.
In 2015, a small group of young, nervous people arrived in the UK with their dedicated teachers. During their stay, their audiences were astonished by their talents. When they left, all were proud: teachers of their students, friends for each other and, most important of all, young people for what they themselves had achieved. When they returned, they were not just children who were disabled; they were gifted individuals who had showcased breath-taking talents, leading the way forward for their peers.
Building on the relationships we developed during the 2015 Europe Tour (concerts and seminars held at University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Royal College of Music and Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris; meetings with EHRC and FCO on disability welfare; and discussions on disability sports with the British Paralympic Association and English Federation of Disability Sport) the Para-Ensemble returned in 2017. The group once again performed at the Sheldonian theatre with the support of Oxford students and at Trinity College in Cambridge with their students, we witnessed a beautiful musical moment between two blind pianists at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and shared a grand finale at St. John’s Smith Square in London. So much was learned and experienced, and we continue seeking to further develop cultural and exchange programmes in our work.
